F/A-18E Fighter and Tractor Fall From Deck of USS Harry S. Truman

F/A-18E Super Hornet fell from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the Red Sea along with the tractor that was towing it, the U.S. Navy said.

The incident occurred during operations in the Red Sea. The aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 136.
While being towed on deck, the fighter fell overboard.

Sailors were able to leave the tractor in time, though one sustained minor injuries.

The USS Harry S. Truman is currently participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea, aimed at ensuring the safety of civilian shipping amid Houthi attacks.

The carrier has previously suffered losses of carrier-based aircraft during the mission.

In late 2024, it was reported that the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64), part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, accidentally shot down an F/A-18F Super Hornet during a flight over the Red Sea.
In February, the aircraft carrier collided with the cargo ship Besiktas-M. No injuries were reported, though the ship sustained hull damage.

Operation Against the Houthis

Recently, the U.S. intelligence community assessed that nearly six weeks of airstrikes in Yemen have had little impact on the Houthis’ ability and intent to continue attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea and launching strikes on Israel.

Following President Trump’s order to launch a large-scale military campaign against the Houthis, the militants have successfully shot down at least seven MQ-9 Reaper drones, complicating U.S. efforts to move to the second phase of the operation.

The U.S. military had aimed to achieve air dominance over Yemen within 30 days and weaken Houthi air defenses enough to shift focus to reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting of senior Houthi leaders.

However, the MQ-9 Reaper, the primary platform for such missions, continues to suffer losses. The Houthis are also improving their ability to detect and destroy U.S. drones.